Sclerotherapy

Veins ranging from spider veins to medium and large varicose veins on the surface of the legs and occasionally the feet are best treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves the direct injection of a sclerosing agent into the vein using a very fine needle. The sclerosing agent irritates the lining of the vein wall, makes it swell shut, contract, and collapse.

The initial treatment session takes 60-90 minutes. Usually more than one treatment session is needed to reach your desired results. Subsequent visits are scheduled in 60 minute blocks of time. The number of treatments needed and the length of the appointment depends on the number of veins being treated and the resilience of the veins. Cost of this procedure is based on the number of treatments.

Prior to treatment, your skin will be cleaned with alcohol swabs and the veins and surrounding area may be examined with a light that illuminates the veins. During the procedure you may feel some slight stinging or burning depending on the solution and concentration used. Usually you just feel a slight discomfort from the injection itself. After the solution is injected the area will be massaged to help distribute the solution to other parts of the vein. After the treatment is completed, your compression hose will be applied, and will need to be worn for the next 48 hours without interruption, and then for 2 weeks while you are awake and on your feet.

Sclerotherapy Benefits

There are several benefits to having sclerotherapy. These include:

Safe, virtually pain free, in-office treatment

Minimally invasive

Excellent cosmetic results, gets rid of unsightly veins

Little risk of complications with no incisions, and no anesthetics used

No "down" time, doesn't interfere with normal daily activities

Sclerotherapy Risks

The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy are:

Itching lasting 1-5 days

Transient phlebitis (inflammation of the vein)

Superficial blebs or wheals similar to hives

Stinging or cramping at the injection site

Raised reddened patches of skin

Bruising, and tenderness over the vein treated for 7-10 days

Less common side effects include:

Hyperpigmentation lasting 10 days to several months

Superficial clot formation requiring aspiration in larger veins

Mild allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent

Blisters or ulcer formation (blisters may open up and become ulcers) without scarring

In some cases sclerotherapy may not eliminate the vein(s)

Neovascularization - usually temporary,(formation of new tiny pink veins)

Rarely more serious adverse outcomes can arise including:

Permanent skin staining

Deep ulcer formation and scarring

Infection

Keloid type scarring (very raised/thick scars, patients usually have a previous history of keloid scar formation and know if they are prone to these)